Protecting the Dalt has been a big mission for the Pioneers over the last few years. They’ll be asking for a redo after Saturday’s home debut.

Warren County lost 68-51 to visiting Walker Valley over the weekend, sending it to a 0-2 start in the first week. It was a weird opening at home for the Pioneers, with the game starting just after noon and hardly any students – and no cheerleaders, dancers or band – in attendance.

Seniors Treyton Terry and Alex van Vuuren tried to supply the energy with 15 and 12 points, respectively, but the Mustangs owned the third quarter (outscoring the Pioneers 19-9) on the way to a comfortable road win.

“The guys played hard. We have to put the ball in the hole better, hit the glass harder and take care of the ball,” said coach Danny Fish.

Warren County finished just 17-for-48 from the field, perhaps put on ice by the early start and rare quiet day on its home court. Sophomore Devin Fish chipped in 11 points and gave the Pioneers their only lead with a coast-to-coast layup to make it 6-4 in the first three minutes. 

Walker Valley (3-0) slowly seized control throughout the first half and pounced on the Pioneers after halftime. The Mustangs grew their lead to 22 points midway through the fourth and cruised to the finish line, earning its fourth straight win over the Pioneers.

Saturday was a far different atmosphere from the last time the two teams clashed. Back in February, the two teams played a double-OT thriller in the region tournament at Charlie Dalton Gym, one that the Mustangs ultimately were able to pull out 61-53. Walker Valley also ended the Pioneers’ season in 2021-22, that time winning 75-45 at home.

The atmosphere wasn’t the only thing different when the two teams clashed again in what has become a budding rivalry. The Pioneer roster, one that is still looking to mesh this season, has also changed dramatically.

“We only have four guys returning that goal quality minutes last year. That said, we’re really green, but I believe as our minutes grow, our play will mature. Guys are still trying to figure out their roles so we are trying to stay patient,” said coach Fish.

Sophomores Keyton Reno (six points, six rebounds against Walker Valley) and Deashawn Adams (six points, four rebounds in two matchups in Week 1) may be the youngsters looking to fill roles as the season progresses. Patience is a virtue the Pioneers can practice this year. It was just one season ago when Warren County started 2-11, but ended up peaking after Christmas and claiming a district crown.

Fans will have to wait until Dec. 4 to see the Pioneers at home again. Warren County will return to action after Thanksgiving on the road, with matchups set up against Franklin County (Nov. 28) and Cannon County (Dec. 1) next week. Tip-off for both games is set for 7:30 p.m.

Pioneer scoring – Terry 15, van Vuuren 12, Fish 11, Reno 6, Adams 4, Carter Simpson 3